Engine room vinyl coated foam is peeling

[BigEasy]

The vinyl coated foam liner that surrounds my engine compartment is peeling. Combination of age & heat is undoubtedly the cause. The foam insulation appears to be intact. Not sure of the purpose of the vinyl; possibly to prevent microscopic foam particles from being injested into the engine intake or just a reflective barrier. In any event, it’s making a mess. First thought is to simply use a vacuum cleaner to remove the vinyl. Not going to replace the foam at this point in time; however, will no doubt have to replace it in future. My questions are, have any of you experienced this? Also, is there any spray coating in a can that can be used to apply new vinyl?

 

[dlochner]

The vinyl is probably there to prevent oil and grease from impregnating the foam. Helps to keep the diesel and exhaust odor down.

After a few trips where motoring trumps sailing, you'll want that sound insulation back.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Amazing. Looks more like adhesed green garbage bags.

I agree that some form of spray on paint is your best bet. Be careful as many paints say : DO NOT USE ON PLASTIC

 

[BigEasy]

After a few trips where motoring trumps sailing, you'll want that sound insulation back.

Agree! Not removing the foam, just the vinyl coating. Too much noise & heat without the foam insulation.

 

[BigEasy]

Amazing. Looks more like adhesed green garbage bags.

Ralph, this stuff is much thinner than a plastic bag & is super flexible. You can remove it by simply running your hand over the surface & vacuuming. Don’t want this sloughing off & going into intake air filter. Would be nice to spray a new vinyl coating.

 

[BigEasy]

For all you Beneteau owners, expect this minor nuisance at the 15-16 year period.

 

[jssailem]

I suspect they used vinyl to make the product look clean and address the issue of open-celled foam.

Here are one source's observations and suggestions.

Can You Paint Spray Foam Insulation? Here are Some Recommendations for You

Discover how to paint spray foam insulation, including preparation tips for newly installed foam, and explore foam board pole barn insulation

insulationline.com

 

[Tally Ho]

My foam had a different layer of stuff on the outside, but also failed and was a real mess (30 years old or so).

My solution was to encapsulate the foam using Reflexite insulation. I sealed edges with some aluminum duct tape and stapled the Reflexite right over the old foam. This “locked” in the foam and the backing that was peeling and added another layer of insulation and sound barrier.

I installed this stuff 8 years ago, and still working great.

Greg

 

[BigEasy]

My solution was to encapsulate the foam using Reflexite insulation.

Great idea Greg & a video to boot! Will investigate reflexite further.